New video

I've just completed this new demo video for the YouTube channel, it has taken a while due to a few technical issues but I hope to continue to create more of these that explore various creative techniques and encourage others to try ideas with their own work. The video is a sketchbook exercise with acrylic and charcoal experimenting with colour and compositions and trying out ideas for some new large scale drawings that I am about to begin working on.

Shipping costs

Update on postal charges

Unfortunately I have had to increase the postal charges for shipping the larger artwork, this is due to a recent update for the service provided by Royal Mail and covers International as well as the UK. I always try to use the best, cost effective and reliable shipping service and this can sometimes prove to be expensive. All work is always very well protected, sent with a full tracking number and is insured to cover the value of the artwork, a signature will be required upon receipt of the delivery. Sorry for these unavoidable additional costs.

Your work

Gallery of your work

After a few technical problems I’m pleased to say the gallery of your work is now back online. I am interested in seeing the work of those who have been inspired by the YouTube demos and would like to show examples on this site for others to see. I am pleased with the response so far and thank all those who have contributed so far. If you would like to send me your own work the easiest way is by email using the link. I look forward to seeing your work and adding it to this gallery.

One month old

As the new website is now a month old I thought it was time for an update, I want to keep the site fresh and constantly changing, I think it's important to evolve and try out new ideas, some fail but others seem to work. I intend to have different work available for sale each month so I will update the shop page next week. These large acrylic drawings will be available.

Acrylic and charcoal on 200gsm paper 25” × 25” from 2016

Acrylic and charcoal on 200gsm paper 25” × 25” from 2016

Back online

The website is now fully online after some pages got deleted by mistake yesterday, I have now updated the site and made a few changes, I have a SALE on at the moment that will end on 26th April. The gallery of work submitted by those inspired by the demo videos has been removed, but will be back soon, please continue to email photographs if you would like your artwork to be shown in this gallery, thanks.

New video

Just finished working on this new demo video, monoprinting onto stretched cotton.

Working on the new artwork titled “Artificial Person” 20” x 20” Oil paint on stretched cotton fabric. This is a limited edition monoprint as shown in the video, 8 versions of this will be made and a few will be available (to order) from the website.

Website update

I have been having a lot of tech issues at the moment and I am unable to continue to develop the website as would like. I will try to get the situation resolved as soon as possible but unfortunately for now the website will remain as it is, it still functions normally and all the content is accurate, I wanted to include much more artwork photographs and expand the sections on some pages. There will eventually be a SALE section on the shop page and I will also have some sculpture works available. Hope I can sort this soon, Thanks.

Presentation of artwork

I wanted to show some images of how I present my artwork when it leaves my studio. I try to make sure that it is complimented with a mount and a backing board, it is important to use only conservation grade and acid free, the quality of the mounts is vital. The artwork is never glued to the backing board, only fixed in place with strong PH7- 70 acid free mounting tape. The works on paper are signed and dated in the margin, I always like to show the rough edge of the artwork as I feel this helps to show the creative hand, also contrasts with the crisp white edge of the mount, only if the margin of the artwork is too messy will I apply a second mount to present the finished piece. All work is also signed and dated on the reverse.

Website update

Still continue to have some tecnical issues unfortunately which means that I am unable to work on building the site as I had hoped. I will try to work on adding to the shop section over the next few weeks once the computer problems are resolved. I will be adding a sculpture page with some recent work and also include a section with drawings, screenprints and mixedmedia artworks. I plan to have sales of work in the next few months and will also have a variety of FREE art giveaways and raffels. I currently have a 15% discount offer which ends today, use the promo code : SALE419.

New promo video

Just finished this short promotional video to post on YouTube and other social media platforms, since this was posted yesterday, I have had a lot of positive comments and it has resulted in improved visitor numbers to the site. I will begin to update the site to try and improve a few sections but I think it is working as I hoped, the contact page works and I’ve been recieving questions and positive feedback.

New website ! Still under construction

The new website is looking almost finished, just need to work on the text and add photographs. I’m impressed so far with the Squarespace platform, it has improved options for gallery displays and ease of connectivity with social media links. Not had too many problems with setting up the pages and transfer of my domain and hope to have the site online soon.

Coast monoprint series ( No 7 Fleetwood shipwrecks)

 

Coast No 7 (left 14/03/2019) The Old Wreck

This small monoprint from the "Coast" series was inspired by an old fishing float with rope attached, I like the abstract shapes and random textures found along the shore, I incorporate many of these into the small monoprints, I could not think of a more suitable place to leave this artwork.

Very tricky filming conditions, heavy mud made it difficult to reach the ships, I couldn't record any sound because of building work nearby so all the atmospheric sounds (including the muddy foot steps) are sound effects, which I think work quite well.

This is one of my favourite locations to take photographs, it's very atmospheric and the sight of these old vessels is very thought provoking, it's sad to think these were once the hardworking fishing trawlers that have seen many voyages and sailed through the hardest conditions imaginable, this silent marshland their final resting place. I always think about the people that built them, those who sailed on them and all those anxious families waiting for their safe return.

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Filming location at the River Wyre Estuary in Fleetwood, Lancashire

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New monoprinting demo video

I'm starting to work on a few of these new demo videos filmed in HD with no edits or music, just a single close up view of a work in progress, shown from start to finish, using low cost or recycled materials.

Although this small monoprint is an abstract composition, I was inspired by the coastal landscape and feel that in some way this has found it's way into my work, I will continue to explore this further using this simple process.

Working with recycled materials (plastic bag and cardboard) I have used oil paint (Prussian Blue, Vandyke Brown) spread thinly onto a transfer sheet made from an old plastic bag and a variety of mark making implements, blunt pencil, biro, Q tips etc to transfer the oil paint onto the work surface (220gsm smooth card) 8" x 6" torn paper (newspaper is OK) is then used to mask areas of the composition and create shapes that form the light areas of the artwork, it is advisable not to apply too much paint and keep these interesting forms that draw the eye into the composition.

It is important to begin this process with a very thin first layer of paint and work towards adding darker tones, remember not to overwork the composition as it is very easy to destroy the quality of the marks. Don't worry to much about the final composition, enjoy making a few interesting marks and texture, practice the technique and good results will follow.